CLEANING SYSTEM FOR HYDROMASSAGE BATHS

Abstract: A cleaning system for a hydromassage whirlpool bath (10) comprising a water pipe circuit (2) and an air pipe circuit (3), at least one nozzle (A) which opens into the bath water, at least one outlet (O) in the bath water for the water pipe circuit (2), at least one air inlet valve (D) to the air pipe circuit (3), at least one water pump (5) which displaces the water in the water pipe circuit (2) and out through each nozzle (A) during hydromassage, and hot/cold water supply (F, E) to the whirlpool bath, wherein each nozzle (A) is closeable, the suction (O) is connected to a closeable suction valve (B) and the air pipe circuit (3) is directly connected to the water pipe circuit (2) via at least one connecting valve (C) which can be opened and closed, each nozzle (A), the suction valve (B) and the connecting valve (C) being capable of being opened and closed in a predetermined manner during hydromassage and cleaning respectively, thereby forming a closed and communicating water and air pipe circuit which can be cleaned without the actual water reservoir having to be filled.

Description: CLEANINGSYSTEMFORHYDROMASSAGEBATHS The present invention relates to a cleaning system for a hydro-massage whirlpool bath comprising a water pipe circuit and an air pipe circuit, at least one nozzle which opens into the bath water, at least one suction in the bath water for the water pipe circuit, at least one air inlet valve for the air pipe circuit, at least one water pump which displaces the water in water pipe circuit and out through each nozzle during hydromassage, and a supply of hot and cold water to the whirlpool bath. Pipes and a pump, inter alia, are used in whirlpool bath tub hydromassage systems to convey water from a suction in the bath tub in such a way that it is accelerated before it is conducted back to the nozzles in the wall of the bath tub. This is the "water circuit" of the hydromassage system. Moreover, pipes are used to convey air from an (adjustable) air vent to the nozzles, where the air is admixed into the water jet. This is the "air circuit" of the hydromassage system. The inner walls in both pipe circuits are liable to fatty and calcium deposits (the air circuit also becomes filled with water when the bath tub is filled and the massage system is not in use) . The growth of bacteria in connection with deposits of this kind is a particular problem when there are many different users, such as in hotels and institutions. The previous solution to this problem has been that the user has had to fill his massage bath tub to operating level with hot water, pour in a cleaning agent, and then run the sytem so that the cleaning agent is conducted through the pipes . If stronger chemicals were used, one had, in addition, to empty the tub, refill it and run the system once more to rinse away the cleaning agent residue. SUBSTITUTE SHEET These previous procedures have the following disadvantages: 1) The complete tub must be filled with water each time the system is to be run to clean/rinse it. This is reflected in the water and power consumption. 2) Moreover, the cleaning process takes a long time from start to finish, and is not suitable for frequent cleaning, e.g., as is desirable in cases of more public use, such as in hotels or institutions. 3) An unnecessarily large amount of cleaning agent has to be used in order to reach an adequate cleaning solution concentration. US Patent 4979245 (Gandini) is a known publication which also teaches a cleaning system that forms a closed circuit which is used for a cleaning cycle. This system uses a circuit having to some extent parallel pipes where pressure differences may arise. This system thus does however, not redirect the system to communicate the water circuit with the air circuit in a continuous path. The water flow is not directed through the air circuit directly, but only parallel and indirectly, if at all, as a consequence of the amount of water which might possibly find a route through the nozzles. This is a rather inexpedient way of ensuring that the air circuit is cleaned, especially bearing in mind that most hydromassage systems will not have much ability of passage between the air circuit and the water circuit at the nozzles. The problem is further exacerbated if the uppermost pipe is used for the air circuit (on account of gravity) , which is, in fact, usual in the industry. There is also apparently a system for which patent has been applied in the name of J.C. Henry, which redirects the air circuit and the water circuit so that they are continuous, but do not form a closed circuit which includes the pump. The system is based on rinsing the pipes with water from a mixing battery connected to the massage system (optionally with added cleaning agent) so that the water constantly flows out through the suction. A pump is not used to obtain water velocity and pressure. Without such water velocity, the cleaning is much less efficient. Further examples of the state of the art are taught in US Patent 4383341 (Altman) , US Patent 4868934 (Altman) , US Patent 4514868 (Visinand) , US Patent 5012535 (Klotzbach) and US Patent 5029594 (Pierce,Jr. ) . Thus, there has long been a need for a better way to eliminate this bacteria/infection problem. The cleaning system concept now proposed enables these rather inaccessible surfaces to be cleaned in a simple and effective manner, and also prevents the growth of bacteria. With the new system, it is thus possible to fill and run the hydromassage system without filling the actual pool or bath tub. All the pipes, i.e., the air pipes and the water pipes, form part of the circuit when the cleaning cycle is run. Moreover, it is possible to use only a small amount of cleaning agent. After the cleaning cycle, the pipes can be emptied via the bath tub and the process can optionally be repeated to rinse the system so that it is completely free of chemicals. Only a few litres are required to fill the pipe systems, in contrast to the 100-300 litres needed to fill an entire bath tub. As mentioned, this is reflected especially in the consumption of water, power, cleaning agent and time. Thus the pipe system can be cleaned frequently and easily, and is especially suitable for use in hotels and institutions. Moreover, the pipe system is simple to manufacture, or alternatively to arrive at by modifying existing installations, and requires relatively few special parts. The price the consumer will have to pay will thus be a modest additional amount. This is achieved by means of a cleaning system of the type mentioned by way of introduction which is characterised in that each nozzle is closeable, that the suction is connected to a closeable suction valve, and that the air pipe circuit is connected directly to the water pipe circuit via at least one shunting or connecting valve which can be opened and closed, each nozzle, the suction valve and the connecting valve being capable of being opened and closed in a predetermined manner during hydromassage and cleaning respectively, thereby forming a closed and communicating water and air pipe circuit which can be cleaned without the actual water reservoir having to be filled. A cleaning agent filling hole may be provided in the actual air pipe circuit or water pipe circuit. However, the cleaning agent may be added at other points. It is of advantage if the suction valve is a three-way valve. As an alternative, the pipe systems could be branched and the connection between the water pipe circuit and the air pipe circuit could be at two points and be effected via two connecting valves. The pipe systems may comprise an air control unit which enables the amount of air added to the water to be regulated. Each connecting valve may be of the two-way valve type. Other and additional objectives, features and advantages will become apparent in the following description of a, for the present, preferred embodiment of the invention, which is given for the purposes of description, without thereby being limiting, and provided in conjunction with the attached drawings where : Figs. 1A and IB are simplified lateral views from each long side of a hydromassage whirlpool bath with appurtenant water pipe circuit and air pipe circuit during hydromassage operations; Figs . 1C and ID are end views of a whirlpool bath according to Figs. 1A and IB; Figs. IE, IF and 1G are schematic illustrations of the respective valves B and C seen from the side (top) and from above (bottom) , where Fig. 1G illustrates an alternative to Fig. IF; Figs. 2A and 2B are simplified lateral views from each long side of a hydromassage whirlpool bath with appurtenant water circuit and air circuit during a cleaning cycle; Figs. 2C and 2D are end views of a whirlpool bath according to Figs. 2A and 2B; Figs. 2E,2F and 2G are schematic illustrations of the respective valves B and C seen from the side (top) and from above (bottom) , where Fig. 2G illustrates an alternative to Fig. 2F; Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of a flow diagram for a hydromassage whirlpool bath with appurtenant water pipe circuit and air pipe circuit during a hydromassage operation (3A) and during a cleaning cycle (3B) ; Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of a second embodiment of the water pipe circuit and air pipe circuit during hydromassage and during cleaning as in Figs. 3A and 3B, and which corresponds to the embodiment in Figs. 1 and 2; Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a third embodiment of the water pipe circuit and air pipe circuit during hydromassage and during cleaning as in Figs. 3A and 3B; Figs. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of a fourth embodiment of the water pipe circuit and air pipe circuit during hydromassage and during cleaning according to Figs . 3A and 3B; Figs. 1A-1G are simplified illustrations of a pool or bath tub 10 with appurtenant valves B,C, as it is when in operation during a hydromassage cycle. Reference is also made to Figs. 3A and 3B which correspond thereto. A pump 5, a water pipe circuit 2 and an air pipe circuit 3 are included. The pipes marked with arrows represent the water circuit 2. The unmarked pipes represent the air pipe circuit 3. The bath tub 10 may be equipped with one or more nozzles A provided in the bath tub wall. Each nozzle A is connected to the water pipe circuit 2 and the air pipe circuit 3. Air is thus added to the water at the nozzles A. As mentioned, the water pipe circuit 2 is connected to the pump 5 which provides water pressure and gives the water a certain velocity as it passes through the nozzles A. The bath tub 10 is filled with water by means of hot water supply E and cold water supply F. From the tub 10 the water is sucked up through the suction 0 and into the water pipe circuit 2. The respective nozzles A are of the type that can be opened and closed. As mentioned, the air pipe circuit 3 is also connected to each of the nozzles A. In addition, the air pipe circuit is connected to a valve D for air control and for filling with a cleaning agent. Furthermore, the air pipe circuit 3 is connected to the water pipe circuit 2 via a connecting valve or shunt valve C. When this valve is opened, the water pipe circuit 2 and the air pipe circuit 3 are in direct communication with one another. When the valve C is closed, the circuits are completely separated, so that air can flow in the air pipe circuit 3 and water in the water pipe circuit 2 . When the hydromassage bath tub 10 is in normal operation, the nozzles A are open, the suction 0 is open with the aid of a three-way valve B. The connection between the air pipe circuit 3 and the water pipe circuit 2 is closed both at the three-way valve B and at the connecting valve C, as shown in Fig. 3A and Figs. IE, IF and 1G. The tub can' be filled via the cold water supply F and the hot water supply E or a mixing battery (having an approved check valve) connected to the water circuit . The water flows into into the tub through the nozzles A. The system is switched on/off by means of the air- implulse switch G. Water pressure is achieved as mentioned with the aid of the pump 5, and the influx of air (and thus the strength of the jets) is regulated by means of the air control unit/cleaning agent hole D. During a cleaning cycle, according to Figs. 2A-2G and Fig. 3B, the nozzles A are closed; the suction 0 is closed by means of a three-way valve; the connection between the air pipe circuit 3 and the water pipe circuit 2 is open by means of a three-way valve B, and the connection between the circuits is also open at the connecting valve C. See Figs. 2E-2F. The hydrosystem 10 is filled with water via the hot water supply E and the cold water supply F, or via a mixing battery (having an approved check valve) , and it can be observed when the pipe systems and pump housing are filled with water in that the water flows up through the air control unit (air escape cock) /cleaning agent hole D. Cleaning agent is poured in through the cleaning agent hole D. The air escape cock/cleaning agent hole is closed completely and the system is switched on by pressing the air-impulse switch G. The water gains great velocity through both pipe circuits 2 and 3 with the aid of the pump 5. All the pipes are now included in the cleaning circuit. The arrows show the direction of the water. It is advantageous if all the pipes are of the same dimension in order to avoid points of increased/decreased resistance. As an example, the system can be run for approximately 2 to 3 minutes before it is closed. Thereafter the pipes are emptied by opening the suction 0 by means of the three-way valve B and/or by opening the nozzles A. The process may be repeated with clean water to rinse the pipe circuits 2 and 3. Figs. 3A and 3B show schematically a flow diagram in a first simple embodiment where the connecting valve C opens/closes for communication/closure between the pipe circuits 2 and 3 whilst the valve B is opened/closed for communication between the pipe circuits 2 and 3 and 2 and the suction 0 respectively. Figs. 4A and 4B, which correspond to the embodiment according to Figs. 1 and 2, show a second embodiment which, in principle, resembles the embodiment according to Figs. 3A and 3B, but is designed so as to form two cleaning circuits, at the valves C, before the two circuits are reunited at the suction pipe. This is an advantage when pumps having two outlets are used. Moreover, the pipe dimensions can be reduced, which is an advantage with regard to space around the tub, productions techniques and production costs. Fig. 4A illustrates hydromassage in operation and Fig. 4B shows a cleaning cycle. Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate a third embodiment similar to the second embodiment according to Figs. 4A and 4B, but in this case the water circuit which is continuous during hydromassage operations by means of a pipe connection and a third connecting valve C . Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a fourth embodiment similar to the second embodiment according to Figs. 4A and 4B, but in this case a cross-over and valves C ' are used to open the connection between the water pipe circuit 2 and the air pipe circuit 3. In this embodiment, less resistance in the water flow is achieved. In a fifth embodiment (not shown) similar to the embodiments according to Figs. 3 - 6, a cleaning circuit has been formed by means of valves and pipe connections, said cleaning circuit including the circuit of an air massage system. This provides an advantage for whirlpool baths which use a combination of a water massage system and an air massage system.

Claims: P a t e n t c l a i m s 1. A cleaning system for a hydromassage whirlpool bath comprising a water pipe circuit (2) and an air pipe circuit (3) , at least one nozzle (A) which opens into the bath water, at least one suction (0) in the bath water for the water pipe circuit (2) , at least one air inlet valve D to the air pipe circuit (3) , at least one water pump (5) which displaces the water in the water pipe circuit (2) and out through each nozzle (A) during hydromassage, and hot/cold water supply (F,E) to the whirlpool bath, characterised in that each nozzle (A) is closeable, that the suction (0) in connected to a closeable suction valve (B) and that the air pipe circuit (3) is directly connected to the water pipe circuit (2) via at least one connecting valve (C) which can be opened and closed, each nozzle (A) , the suction valve (B) and the connecting valve (C) being capable of being opened and closed in a predetermined manner during hydromassage and cleaning respectively, thereby forming a closed and communicating water and air pipe circuit which can be cleaned without the actual water reservoir having to be filled. 2. The cleaning system of Claim 1, characterised in that the pipe circuit includes a cleaning agent filling hole. 3. The cleaning system of Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the suction valve (B) is a three-way valve. 4 . The cleaning system of Claim 1, 2 or 3 , characterised in that the pipe systems are branched and that the connection between the water pipe circuit (2) and the air pipe circuit (3) is at two points via two connecting valves. 5. The cleaning system of Claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterised in that it comprises an air control unit which regulates the amount of air added to the water. 6. The cleaning system according to Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each connecting valve is a two-way valve.

Inventors: VERSLAND ANDERS, VERSLAND, ANDERS
Applicants: VERSLAND ANDERS, VICO PRODUCTS MFG CO AS, VERSLAND, ANDERS, VICO PRODUCTS MFG CO. A/S
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A61H33
IPC codes: A61H33